Barbados Horse Racing

Barbados horse racing like most other events on this idyllic paradise is an occasion for festivities… and the perfect time to combine the traditional sun, sea and sand holiday with the excitement of the sport of kings. The historic Garrison Savannah has been the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1845.

Over the last 50 years the Barbados Turf Club has developed race days into a great outing for the whole family. The main race day at the Garrison Savannah is Saturday… and the main event on the race calendar is the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup.

This exciting race usually takes place on the first Saturday in March and is the culmination of a week of festivities done with typical Barbados celebratory flare. This popular Barbados horse race which began in 1983 has develop into the biggest horserace in the Southern Caribbean…

so popular is the race that every year thousands of horse racing enthusiast from around the world descend on Barbados to be part of the race… But there is more to Barbados horse racing than the Sandy Lane Gold Cup… the race calendar is filled with a number of other exciting races.


Barbados Horse Racing

Barbados Horse Racing Events


The Banks Barbados Guineas takes place around April… this Barbados horse racing event is the first Jewel in the Triple Crown and the first major race after the very popular Sandy Lane Gold Cup. This no doubt adds the atmosphere… as much excitement is still in the air after the festivities of the Gold Cup.

Although there is Barbados horse racing during May and June most race pundits at the Garrison eagerly looks forward to the second jewel in the Triple Crown series… This race is the Pinnacle Feeds Midsummer Creole Classic. The third jewel in the Triple Crown is the United Insurance Barbados Derby… this race run off in August and has become an integral part of the summer program at the Garrison Savannah.

October and November also feature a high quality Saturday race program at the Garrison Savannah… But the race that brings the curtain down is the Boxing Day race is the annual Diamonds International Challenge Series for two year old’s. Some of the other races on the very hectic Barbados horse racing calendar are…

  • The Diamond International /Audemore Piquet Two Year Old Series
  • The Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders Association Series
  • The Barbados Fillies Guineas
  • Barbados Oaks for three year olds and four year olds
  • The Tanglewood Stakes
  • The Sunset Reef and the Coolmore Stakes
  • The Ocala Breeders Sales Company Race

So whether you just want an enjoyable fun filled day out at the races with the family… or if you are a serious punter looking to place your bets. The unique atmosphere at the historic Garrison Savannah for Barbados horse racing events will blow you away.


More About Barbados Horse Racing


The Barbados Turf Club

The Barbados Turf Club, is the governing body for all Barbados horse racing events. It regulates and promotes horse racing on the island, it was established in 1905 and organizes three seasons of racing per year.

There are approximately 25 race meetings held throughout the year running from January to April (Spring Season), May to September (Summer Season) and from November to December (Winter Season).

Learn more about the Barbados Turf Club

The Garrison Savannah 

The historic Garrison Savannah is the home of all Barbados horse racing events this popular horse racing venue is located within the Garrison Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside the capital-city Bridgetown.

The savannah is a clockwise grass course, the Garrison Savannah has been the home of horse racing in Barbados from as early as 1845.

Learn more about the historic Garrison Savannah

 


Barbados Horse Racing Events Held Under The Lights


In December, 2020 the Barbados Turf Club presented the first ever Barbados horse racing night event under the lights. No doubt we will see many more occasions like this at the historic Barbados Garrison Savannah.